Fines can be costly and a license will be of great benefit to you and your dog if he/she is lost. Licenses can be purchased at Animal Services Agency at 1057 Logan Ave. Here is the link for Winnipeg to help you with the licensing process. http://www.winnipeg.ca/cms/animal/Licenses/default.stm

Being responsible for your dog means protecting her, supervising her and knowing where she is at all times. Avoid leaving your dog alone in the yard for any period of time. Dogs crave companionship and become easily bored if left alone. They may find a weak spot in the fence, jump or climb the fence, or dig out from under the fence. Additionally, a dog left alone can easily be stolen. The dog relies on you to protect it! It is YOUR responsibility to do everything in your power to do so!

Secure your fence and supervise your dog. Do not let your dog run off leash in an unfenced area. Be careful when opening doors so your dog does not run out. Avoid leaving your dog in the car or tethered outside a place of business while you run in “just for a minute.” A minute might be all it takes. Finally, make sure leashes and collars are secure.

A microchip is a small electronic chip with a unique ID number in a capsule about the size of a grain of rice. Once implanted, the chip can be read by a handheld scanner, and the microchip company is notified of the ID number. You need to register your contact information with the microchip company so they can use the ID number to reach you.

A microchip will only reunite you with your pet if the company knows how to reach you.

Even if your pet never leaves the house, we recommend a microchip. A flood, tornado, or even a surprise bolt out the door can separate you.

An idea is to take your Vet tag and a nail and scratch your phone number on the back of it. Or get a separate tag and have your dog’s name on it and your phone number. If you notice the two tags are making too much noise, just wrap some clear tap around them.

Unfortunately, too many dogs are picked up by animal control that have no ID. Some of these dogs are never found by their owners. Take the time to find the best collar and ID tag for your dog and keep them on her, just in case. If your dog is found, the ID will help her to be safely returned. Also, make sure to collar fits well so it will not slip off.

If your dog is at a sitter’s while you are out of town, make sure the dog has a tag on with the sitter’s phone number. If the dog gets lost while you are away, this will help with a fast return to the sitters. You can purchase these tags at most pet stores. They are cheap, stylish and they will engrave the info for you as well.

Even many well-trained dogs can run off. A small animal can evoke the predatory instinct or a loud noise can scare a dog into running away.

If your dog gets out of your sight, she might not find her way home. A wandering dog may be injured or even stolen. Using a leash is your best bet at keeping your dog in sight.

Check the yard for any holes or spaces that the dog can use to escape. Make sure that the dog can not jump the fence.

Most importantly, take your dog for regular walks so the dog can become familiar with its new surroundings.